Sunday, May 28, 2017

Learning to heal myself and maintain my mental health and wellness doesn’t feel like a chore when it feels fun. I recently restarted taking yoga classes and the location, with wall-to-wall windows and view of the Toronto skyline, makes exercising a joy!

And when it comes to increasing my hydration I’ve learned how to make that more fun too. As I wrote in tip#982 adults are recommended to drink 2 litres of water which for me had been a challenge. That is a lot of water and many trips to the washroom! But in my research I discovered that electrolytes were equally important so I learned to make homemade electrolyte drinks. The recipe is so simple and delicious that it makes hydrating myself daily much more enjoyable.

And when it comes to films, sometimes you just want to escape and enjoy the ride with good ol fashion popcorn movies! Here are two I recommend.

The Fate of the Furious (2017)

The action film, The Fate of the Furious (Fast 8), is the eighth installment in this cinematic series of sexy, fast cars and returning cast members like Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson. If you enjoy this franchise then the plot doesn’t really matter because you know you’ll be immersed in the heroic and funny characters, exotic locations and exhilarating, superhero-like action sequences. See: movie trailer

What makes each chapter of this series extra fun is seeing who joins in these action adventures. In Fast 8 it is Charlize Theron as the villain. And seeing Johnson and Statham’s characters verbally spar was hilarious! Overall I always enjoy the ongoing theme of family and team spirit that is at the heart of this series.

The Great Wall (2016)

The action fantasy film, The Great Wall, is about a European mercenary, William Garin (Matt Damon), encountering the Great Wall of China during the Song Dynasty. This movie is filled with epic scenery, dazzling costumes and inventive battle sequences with a massive horde of vicious monsters. The diverse cast also feature great characters and performances by Jing Tian as Commander Lin Mae, Pedro Pascal as Pero Tovar, Willem Dafoe as Sir Ballard and Andy Lau as Wang, Strategist and War Counselor. See: movie trailer

This film unfortunately suffered negative press around the alleged “white washing” casting of Damon in a lead role of an Asian story. However when you see this film you will see that this is not the case at all. I believe it was the way the movie was marketed that made it appear like “white washing”. I highly recommend you give this fantastic film a chance, Damon is a great action star here and demonstrates excellent leadership and teamwork skills!

Any task can feel like a chore when there isn’t some aspect of joy involved. Be open to finding that sense of fun in your tasks and the experience may surprise you. And when it comes to movies let your positive emotional energy flow with a film that takes you away for an hour or two. Treat yourself to a fun cinematic ride today!

Sunday, May 21, 2017

My energy and spirit always lights up whenever I discuss my passion for films with other people! I recently was thrilled to be interviewed on the show This Movie’s About You with Thom Ernst, former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies, and Louis Marrone. Their show’s theme is about ideal movie double bills and I talked about Groundhog Day and Pleasantville and how they each inspired me with laughter and escapism. I was also happy to share their inspirational value while dealing with long periods of depression. Listen to interview: This Movie’s About You

It was a joy talking about movies with Thom and Louis and as the interview progressed I could feel myself getting more hyper and you can hear it in my voice when you listen to the recording! This was an example and an important reminder of what I teach in my motivational talks in that when you engage in a passion it can elevate positive moods and thoughts. In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) this is also known as engaging in pleasurable activities.

This positive emotional energy also got triggered recently at the Vaughan International Film Festival Awards where I enjoyed a delicious four-course dinner, tasty libations and being with good friends! The evening was celebrating movies and I got to meet wonderful filmmakers such as Tom McCarthy, Oscar-winning sound editor of Francis Ford Coppola's BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA and his wife Roxanne Jones McCarthy, assistant sound editor on the original STAR WARS movie! They were both so nice and down to earth.

I was also very excited to meet Enrico Colantoni who played the hilarious Mathesar, leader of an alien race in the SCI FI comedy Galaxy Quest. I loved his character and told him he was one the best parts of the film! He was at this event to receive the Independent Leadership Award. And though he’s been in many movies and TV shows like Veronica Mars and Flashpoint his role in Galaxy Quest always helped re-energize me with laughter and joy. I still remember the first time seeing this film in New York City with close friends and laughing so hard at how silly and quirky Mathesar talked and laughed!

Galaxy Quest (1999)

The science fiction action comedy film, Galaxy Quest, is about actors of a popular TV series called Galaxy Quest who are recruited by real aliens to help them against an alien warlord. This hilarious movie is filled with many funny performances by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Daryl Mitchell and Enrico Colantoni. See: movie trailer

Enrico Colantoni's role as Mathesar is a brilliant combination of verbal and physical comedy while giving unexpected moments that will touch your heart. There is also some great action scenes and space battles that pay great homage to the original Star Trek show and its movies. In addition, this film is also an excellent inspirational tool for leadership, teamwork, believing in yourself and pushing forward from adversity.

Always remember the uplifting power of cinema when you are feeling down or stuck in your life, health or work. Whether you are laughing, receiving insights or epiphanies from the movie characters on screen you are getting re-energized in some meaningful way. Your negative mood and thoughts will be transformed. Watch an uplifting film today and let your positive emotional energy flow!

NEW INTERVIEW WITH EMMANUEL:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day to my awesome Mom and all mothers around the world!

Today is Mother’s Day so I’m dedicating this post to my Mom. She is actually the strongest mother I know because of her resilience and perseverance with all the health and life challenges she has endured (see tip#454). She has stories of challenging times growing up during WWII in the Philippines and what she witnessed with the Japanese occupation. She is also an outstanding example of unconditional love and her thoughtful, caring actions continually teach me how to be a better son and man each and every day!

Despite my Mom living in a different city she is always somehow with me every day. For example she gave me an egg slicer that I use almost daily. It is nothing fancy but actually works better than other brand names I’ve used! So I always thank my Mom in my thoughts whenever I make my super delicious egg salad sandwiches!

There are also movies that make me think of my Mom’s strength, love and support. My Mom is a real superhero to me so I see her in the heroes of these films. Click on the titles to read my posts on these movies…

Here is another movie that surprised me because it was not only about an inspiring little girl but equally about her mother’s strength and love too.

Queen of Katwe (2016)

The biographical, sports drama film, Queen of Katwe, is based on the true story of 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) following her passion for playing chess while living in a slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) is the missionary teaching children how to play chess and Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong'o) is Phiona’s mother intent on supporting and protecting her four children. See: movie trailer

There are so many inspirational messages in this movie! Phiona demonstrates great strength and inner courage for wanting a better life while Robert inspires with his persistent support of Phiona’s gifts and talents. The other kids are also fun characters and provide many humorous moments as they learn how to play chess. You see how they learn about strategy, team spirit and problem solving and how it all relates to life.

And then there’s Phiona’s mother who, at first, is overly protective but later shows great pride and joy for her daughter’s resilience and optimism. Her mother also shows how she would do anything to provide for her family especially when they lose their home and struggle to live in an abandoned, dilapidated building. She is a vision of a mother whose focus is all for the care of her children.

Mothers in the movies can mirror the love and strength of your own mother. They can remind you of the gifts your Mom has given you growing up and even in your adult life. Your Mom may even be your hero! And whether she is still with you or passed on let her know you are thinking of her and give her your overflowing love and gratitude!

NEW RECORDED INTERVIEW: Click here
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression.

Sunday, May 07, 2017

Learning can be so much fun when it involves good, fun people and food! I recently attended a Lunch & Learn for Black Cow Vodka the world’s only vodka made from pure milk. I got to meet Paul Archard, Founder & Partner who traveled to Toronto from England's West Dorset coast where the vodka is made entirely from the milk of grass grazed cows.

We also enjoyed a gourmet lunch and cocktails made with Black Cow Vodka and cheese thanks to Master Chef and Mixologist Jeremy Parsons and Mixologist Shannon Ferguson. Yes it was all super delicious and tasted so much better surrounded by friends and colleagues!

Learnography also had their 2nd Brunchography event with three speaker panels sharing their expertise and wisdom on learning factors within the corporate and educational industries. Last year I was the opening speaker (see tip#951) and this year I got to enjoy the event as a participant and really enjoyed the networking opportunities!

I always attend events with an open mind and am always wonderfully surprised when I learn something for either personal or professional benefits. It’s like anytime I watch a movie just to escape for awhile, I am thrilled when I realized a life lesson was just communicated to me from a character in the film and touches my heart!

This is a true summer blockbuster, popcorn film and, like the first film, is filled with colourful creatures, aliens and popular songs from the 70’s and 80’s. What surprised me was the unexpected, heartfelt moments about family and the deeper meanings of what a dad and sister is about. So along with the stunning visual and audio delights are life lessons about recognizing the love of family beneath pain, anger and resentment. Highly recommend you see now on the biggest screen possible!

Learning through movies can be one of the most enjoyable methods of improving aspects of your life, relationships, career and work. Just be aware of those moments you receive an “aha” moment or feel an emotional charge from something that happens on the screen. That’s when you know you’ve received a golden nugget of wisdom!

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About Me

Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is a Motivational Speaker and an award-winning Blogger & Illustrator working with organizations to inspire RESILIENCE & INDESTRUCTIBLE OPTIMISM for DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS through the power of movies. He has been featured in The NEW YORK TIMES, The WASHINGTON POST and The GLOBE & MAIL.
Speaker Clients: TD Canada Trust, Investors Group, The Art Institute of Boston and Royal Ontario Museum.
For info on speaker bookings see: www.motivatorman.com